Clinton Pitted Against Dole - In Bake-off

Campaign 1996 - Voters Guide to the Election

DELAND — Residents can vote their hearts in Tuesday's general election, but they'll be asked to vote their stomachs that night.

It is part of the Volusia election department's ''Great Political Bake-Off.''

A culinary clash featuring cookies baked with recipes from Elizabeth Dole, wife of presidential candidate Bob Dole, and first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton will be part of Volusia's Election Connection.

The free event includes the latest local, state and national election returns. It begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Volusia County Council Chambers on the second floor of the administration center at 123 W. Indiana Ave. in DeLand.

The chambers will be decorated in red, white and blue for the occasion, with music and refreshments provided by sponsors.

Precinct counts will be flashed onto a giant overhead screen as the results are transmitted by computer modem from the various polling sites. A wide-screen television will carry national election coverage.

Meanwhile, ''voters'' will be asked to sample the Dole family's pecan rolls and the Clintons' chocolate chips, then cast a ballot for their favorite treat. Results will be shared later in the evening.

A third-party, nonpartisan baked treat will be offered by Supervisor of Elections Deanie Lowe, who is providing homemade brownies for the occasion.

''I provided brownies during the last Election Connection, and they were quite popular,'' Lowe said. ''I think I have a pretty good chance of winning.''

But then, she hasn't tasted the competition yet.

Sixteen dozen cookies from the Dole and Clinton recipes will be provided by Cynthia's Bakery and Espresso Shop in Fargo, N.D., which had its own Cookie Election in October.

''Frankly, we borrowed the idea from them,'' Lowe said. ''It seemed a great way to bring even more fun to election night and our Election Connection.''